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Amateur Radio Communications are Alive and Well in the Digital Era! I am an amateur radio operator of some 30 years. Contrary to impressions of many computer users, 'Ham Radio' is doing well. Digital electronics has contributed to activities in a number of ways. First is updated communications modes. TTY (teletype) has been around since at least WWII. Old electro-mechanical have given way to typical keyboards driving computers driving radios. Analog SSTV (Slow-Scan Television) was pioneered in amateur radio in the early 70s. SSTV is a mode whereby still pictures are sent via radio tones. It can be horrible sounding stuff, but can deliver very vivid and realistic pictures. Digital electronics and computer have pushed the quality and simplicity upwards. Transmitting a picture take roughly a minute +/- resolution and size. Some pictures are relayed around the world. One of my most memorable conversations on amateur radio was with an astronaut in her Houston workplace. We shared a little bit of SSTV. While Morse Code is continued to be practiced by many, some have gravitated towards keyboard driven Morse code. There are many complex systems for digital relaying amateur transmissions...even routing them to specific radio-based mailboxes. Equipment is also evolving into the digital realm. SDR (Software Defined Radio) is largely a realm where radio receivers and other aspects are pretty much defined by computers, or at least computer-like technology. Not only can radio controls be handled by computer but many enhancements for tools to reach inside the guts of equipment to obtain controls over parts of radios that were previously set by the hardware. Many radios now allow for tweaks of the guts that weren't readily accessible before. This all leads to higher levels of performance. Even antennas my be controlled and configured via computers these days. And a huge host of software to augment radio operation is now available. Control software can operate modern radios from computers. Remote radios can be controlled from the internet. It's not unusual to hear a fellow in, say California operating a physical station in Massachusetts using the internet to access and control the distant station. Keeping track (logging) stations that amateurs talk with is one popular activity. Databases can provide instant information about those who you speak with. There are some 660,000 amateurs in the US. And of course many more around the world. We are just now in an uptick in worldwide communication capabilities per just having passed the bottom of the 11 year Sunspot Cycle. For a while there has been little Sunspot activity. More Sunspots = better communications, for the most part for amateur operators. Activity on the ham bands has been light to moderate for a few years. Soon the bands will be full of operators talking all over the world. For those of you who may have had an interest in amateur radio but were put off by the Morse Code requirements for licensing now have a better opportunity. After the military dropped Morse Code for the newer computerized communication, the Code requirements were also dropped from amateur radio. It's a good time to get involved in amateur radio. Communications are on the uptick and will peak in 4 or 5 years. Barriers that once kept some from taking up the hobby been eased. The equipment keeps getting better and better as technology evolves. It's a great hobby for retired people. It's something one can participate in 24/7 if they desire. For the most part one doesn't have the limits of weather, time of day or going to other locations than their home to enjoy the pleasure of amateur radio. Note: Some restrictions may apply. Best regards, KA5KKT - There's a Truth out there somewhere! |
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yesindd - Good news for you. There is not longer a Morse code requirement. When the military (Navy) dropped Morse code, so did amateur radio. In the early 60's I assembled the receiver that was the mate to the DX-60. It was the Heathkit HR-10b. - There's a Truth out there somewhere!
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